[scandy]

Hello guys, i'm new to the forum and i bought a r3 from 2019, i will do the first overhaul of the bike and the oil advised is the 10w40 but the yamaha official mechanic says it will put 15w50, what is your feedback? can i damage the engine ?

 

[airhead83]

Without knowing where you're located, and what the weather conditions are, I have nothing to argue with your mechanic's suggestion of 15w50. But I may ask him/her why they prefer 15w50 over the recommended 10w40, just to get clarification.

 

[BluebirdR3]

It would likely work fine, but it would maybe impact the power and feel of the bike possibly. As mentioned, we need more info about where you live. If you're in a really hot climate, it might not be a bad idea. But a synthetic oil will work fine even at the 10w40 grade.

 

[raize]

The first number refers to the low temperature viscosity of the oil. If you're not running it in cold weather, 10 vs 15 shouldn't matter.

 

[Milc]

It won't damage the engine but there's no reason to deviate from the norm unless you're operating in extreme temperatures. If given the option I'd stick with the manufacturer's recommendation over a mechanic.

 

[sLing]

Yamaha actually recommends 15w50. I got this from an email so I'm assuming it's location based recommendations from Yamaha.

But in the owner's manual says otherwise

And then the service manual recommends 10w40

 

[BluebirdR3]

Let's face it - most people aren't going to run their bikes (especially an R3), in freezing temps. Assuming that you live in a climate where there are variable temps that would include below freezing, a 15W50 would still likely be okay for the most part. If you think about it, the thicker oil will provide good lubrication and help keep the engine cooler too I would think.



Personally, I changed mine with a 10W40 full synthetic Motul oil which seems to be fine on my bike so far.

 

[mikecronis]

I did a test a few years ago using a Ninja 250R. I used three oils, 5W-30, 10W-40, and 15W-50. I dumped the oil each time in a pan that day and did a top-speed run in North Dakota. Temp outside was 68 deg. F. and altitude was about 600 ft.

Top speed was, in order from above: 116 mph, 105 mph, 96 mph. (indicated on the speedo).

Thinner oil will give you less friction but also less protection. Stick with the manual and you'll be fine.

If you find you're near-maxxed-out on your temp gauge at 10W-40 you can move it up, but you'll lose top-end.

 

[kiko]

Synthetic oils or dino?

 

[mikecronis]

Mobil 1 full synthetic 4T

 

[BluebirdR3]

I did a test a few years ago using a Ninja 250R. I used three oils, 5W-30, 10W-40, and 15W-50. I dumped the oil each time in a pan that day and did a top-speed run in North Dakota. Temp outside was 68 deg. F. and altitude was about 600 ft.

Top speed was, in order from above: 116 mph, 105 mph, 96 mph. (indicated on the speedo).

Thinner oil will give you less friction but also less protection. Stick with the manual and you'll be fine.

If you find you're near-maxxed-out on your temp gauge at 10W-40 you can move it up, but you'll lose top-end.

That's really interesting. And since you did it the same day, same temps / rider / location there's validity to your data. I might try a 5W40 or 5W50 oil next time and see how it performs.